Bike to Work Group Commute
What is Ride a Bike Day?
Kicking off the 2022 edition of Bike Month 2022, Ride A Bike Day on May 30 invites new, learning, and experienced riders to celebrate the joys and possibilities of cycling – from commuting to work or school, to running errands, to minding your health – riding a bike is a healthy, sustainable, and FUN way to get around.
The positive impacts of riding a bike become even more apparent when you see how many others are riding with you. As part of Ride A Bike Day in Toronto, we’re excited to announce the return of the Bike to Work Group Commute, a free group ride to Nathan Phillips Square from various meet-up points across the city.
Check out our Bike Month Events Calendar for more information about the Bike to Work Group Commute, and other community events planned for Ride A Bike Day and beyond.
Why should I join the Bike to Work Group Commute?
Whether you ride every day or you haven’t ridden in years, joining the Bike to Work Group Commute is a great way to gain confidence out on the road. Riding as a group often creates an environment that feels safer, especially for new and learning riders. As the saying goes: “strength in numbers!” Also, each of the four official group rides will have at least two Cycle Toronto Ride Guides to ensure riders stay on course and arrive safely.
The ride is also about celebrating Toronto’s cycling community. It’s a joy to see just how many people ride bikes in Toronto – a number that continues to grow each year – and the group ride is a great opportunity to connect with other riders. Enjoy a casual, conversational pace with your friends or meet some new ones. Self-supported group rides are highly encouraged as well!
When and where is the ride?
The Group Commute offers four different start points (see below) with corresponding start times so that all groups arrive at Nathan Phillips Square at approximately 8AM for a group celebration.
We encourage individuals to rally your family, friends, and neighbours to organize your own local meet-ups and “feeder rides” to link up with the Group Commute.
Interactive map of group commute routes
Western Meetup
Location: Bloor Street & High Park Avenue - Southeast corner
Departure time: 7:10AM
Route: Bloor Street > Yonge Street > Queen Street
Distance: ~9 km
TTC Access: High Park Station (no elevator) or nearby Runnymede & Keele Stations (elevator access)
Eastern Meetup
Location: East Lynn Park (Danforth Avenue west of Woodbine Avenue)
Departure time: 7:10AM
Route: Danforth Avenue > Bloor Street > Yonge Street > Queen Street
Distance: ~9 km
TTC Access: Woodbine Station (elevator access)
Northern Meetup
Location: Davisville Avenue & Yonge Street - Southwest corner
Departure time: 7:20AM
Route: Yonge Street > Queen Street
Distance: ~5.5 km
TTC Access: Davisville Station (elevator access)
Central Meetup
Location: Yonge Street & Charles Street - Northwest corner (south of Bloor Street)
Departure time: 7:30
Route: Yonge Street > Queen Street
Distance: ~2.3 km
TTC Access: Bloor-Yonge Station (elevator access)
How much does the ride cost?
It’s free! Toronto’s roads are public space and you can join or leave the ride at any time.
Will bikes be made available for the ride?
Yes! Our partners at Bike Share Toronto will be providing free access to their bikes at the Central Meet-up Location at Yonge & Charles. We also encourage participants to ride Bike Share from any station in the City to participate in the Group Commute (see here for passes and membership information). Bike Share will also be onsite at Nathan Phillips Square to collect bikes at the end of the ride — so no need to find a station to dock your bike.
Planning to arrive by TTC?
While all start points have been planned with nearby subway stations in mind, it is important to note that the TTC prohibits bicycles on the subway between 6:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
What can I expect when I arrive for the ride?
Cycle Toronto is planning to have two Ride Guides and a photographer at each meetup point. Chat with other riders, enjoy the outdoors, introduce yourself to the Ride Guides. Keep in mind that the start time is early for many people and we need to be respectful of our neighbours. If you want to bring music, keep it at a moderate level.
What will the ride be like?
Our Ride Guides try to keep a comfortable pace for all riders; that means no matter your fitness, age, style of bike, you should be able to keep up a conversation. People are encouraged to have fun, bring along music, and wear what you’re comfortable in.
One Ride Guide will take the lead and navigate while the other rides in the back to make sure all riders are safe and they can assist with any mechanical issues.
Will the roads be closed for the ride?
No. Since the last edition of this ride, Cycle Toronto has taken steps towards an Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism Commitment that includes finding alternatives to police escorted rides. We have opted not to invite uniformed police officers* to this year’s ride and will take advantage of newly installed/improved cycling infrastructure where possible.
All riders will be expected to follow all traffic laws, including signals such as stop lights, during the ride.
*We have informed Toronto Police Service of our intent to hold the ride and cannot prevent them from arriving of their own accord.
Will the four groups meet and ride together?
No. To manage the size of each group they will not wait for each other at the central group start point.
What can I expect at Nathan Phillips Square?
Visit our pals at Stage 21 to grab a free coffee from their mobile cafe at Nathan Phillips Square. Once you’ve got your caffeine fix, bite your hunger with some free snacks from the Cycle Toronto team. Toronto Water will also be onsite with HT0 To Go, so you can fill up your water bottle before you head to work!
Visit Live Green Toronto for a chance to win prizes; say hello to our pals at McLeish Orlando LLP.; or learn more about E-bikes from Cycle Toronto’s newest Business Member, Zygg Electric Bikes, who is working to replace car trips with bike rides through their affordable E-bike subscription service. The Cycle Toronto team will also be onsite offering free tune-ups, Cycling Handbooks (available in 14 languages!), and Toronto Cycling Maps.
Washrooms: Gendered, accessible washrooms are located onsite at Nathan Phillips Square, beside Hero Certified Burgers
Will there be Bike Month t-shirts?
Yes! This year’s edition is available in a lovely shade of purple and celebrates the possibilities of riding a bike with the Where will your bike take you? tagline. T-shirts can be purchased onsite at Nathan Phillips Square at a cost of $15 each.
Group Commute Special (T-shirt + Cycle Toronto membership): Bundle your T-shirt with a Cycle Toronto membership for $30 and receive your shirt, along with a charitable tax receipt for $20.
Cycle Toronto Membership $20 Ride Special
Cycle Toronto is a member-supported charity that works to make Toronto a safe, healthy, and vibrant cycling city for all. Our members help us build momentum for cycling advocacy in Toronto, and counted together, we send a strong message to decision makers. Join our movement during the Bike to Work Group Commute at a discounted price of $20 to make change on Toronto’s streets! You'll even get a charitable tax receipt during tax season.
Ride Presenters and Partners
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